Knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ has graciously sustained the work of The Baptist
Standard Bearer, Inc., since 1984 through the unsolicited gifts of various
supporters but also knowing that different individuals continue to inquire how they
might contribute financially to the support of this ministry, we are, nonetheless,
still hesitant about addressing this issue of financial support for this ministry
and we do so with mixed emotions for two reasons. On the one hand, we are faced
with the unavoidable and continual need for monetary support. It should be apparent
to anyone that this republication work must be properly financed or it cannot be
sustained and certainly not expanded. It takes money to operate offices, pay utility
bills, maintain equipment, reprint books and various other materials for distribution.
It takes regular financing to purchase copies of original books for duplication,
do proper research, pay graphic designers, operate a web site ministry, produce
CD-ROM collections, provide shipping services and pay postage costs. These necessities
cannot be avoided and should be understood by everyone. On the other hand, it is
also apparent that there are many religious charlatans abroad who are always begging
God’s people and the general public for money. There are just too many false prophets
“making merchandise” of the people of God, too many smooth talkers who deceive the
hearts of the simple under the banner of Christianity. Such tactics are a pitiful
witness before the world.This type
behavior discredits God’s ability and promises to provide for the needs of His people
and undermines confidence in God’s Word and God’s Mercy. We are determined to avoid
even the suggestion of such behavior if at all possible. Therefore, despite facing
the unavoidable need for regular financial support for this work we have felt constrained
to avoid all soliciting of money because of the flagrant abuses of so many religious
charlatans. However, being repeatedly asked about contributions and being often
advised to make a basic policy statement of our views about these matters, it is
with no small reluctance that we attempt now to put in print our genuine thoughts
about how others might help this ministry.

FIRST, our refusal to solicit contributions is not because we despise or think lightly
of the people of God or their ability or willingness to help. Rather, our refusal
to solicit funding arises from our desire to honor the God of all Grace and Comfort,
with Whom nothing is impossible. It’s easy to trust God when the coffers are full
and there’s money to spare. We want to know how to look to the Lord for His help
and blessing on this ministry. If we have the Lord’s blessing on this work,
we have all we really need. On the other hand, if we are without His blessing,
we are devoid of all important things, despite ever so many regular contributions!
We realize the Lord often stirs up men to financially help His people but we want
to make sure that we’ve first approached the throne of grace, that we’ve made our
requests known to the Lord and that we're ever mindful of Him from Whom all our
help originates.

SECOND, our refusal to solicit money should not be construed to mean that we have
neither use for nor concerns about proper Christian stewardship nor that we have
no intention of asking the saints for their help. Far from it! We believe we’re
on good Scriptural ground when we exhort the people of God, as the apostle Paul
exhorted the Corinthians, to complete their initial good intentions about giving
to the Jerusalem saints. The apostle used the liberal giving of the poor Macedonians
andthe sacrificial giving of the Lord
Jesus Christ as fundamental examples of how Christians ought to give. However, we
believe we’re on the best ground, and we are personally most comfortable, when we
can follow the apostle’s example and exhort the people of God to be, “Praying always
with all prayer. . .for all the saints; and for me” (Ephesians 6:18-19) and when
we can ask the saints to be, “praying also for us” (Colossians 4:2-3) and when we
say to them, “Brethren, pray for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1).
Above all things we sincerely want those concerned about this work to have “remembrance
of us in their prayers” (2 Timothy 1:3).

FINALLY, if the Lord burdens someone’s heart to help this ministry financially,
that is, if anyone really finds a desire in his heart to make a donation to this
work, they can make all contributions directly payable to The Baptist Standard Bearer,
Inc.. If they need more specific instructions they can contact our staffthrough the address information given below and receive directions as to
how their contribution can be properly and discreetly made. We believe it will be
important for many to know that our organization is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit
charitable organization recognized by the IRS and all gifts are tax-deductible and
will receive a receipt. Any and every gift will certainly be appreciated and used
to either sustain or expand this republication work. Legal advice - as to how contributions
can be made to this ministry through grants, trusts, wills and/or estate planning
- can be obtained upon request. For
further information, please feel free to contact: